Toy with releasable adhesive feature

ABSTRACT

A toy comprises at least one cutout having an at least partially printed surface at least partially covered by an at least semi-transparent smooth adhesive layer for releasably adhering accessories, wherein the smooth adhesive layer is washable such that when washed and allowed to dry, the adhesive layer substantially returns to an initial stickiness. A toy comprises a three-dimensional figure having at least one adhesive portion for releasable adhering accessories, wherein the adhesive portion is washable such that when washed and allowed to dry, the adhesive portion substantially returns to an initial stickiness.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of co-pendingU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/736,182 for a “Toy with StickyLayer,” filed Dec. 15, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a toy that allows for releasableadherence of accessories. More specifically, the present inventionrelates to a toy with an adhesive component that allows for releasableadherence and repeated release and re-attachment of accessories and thatis renewably adhesive by washing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stick-on toys, such as paper dolls and stick-on activity boards andbooks, are known. Such toys use various means, such as fold-over tabsand stickers, to attach items, such as clothing or other accessories, totoys. Typically, stick-on toys attach items to a doll or activity boardby providing a glue or an adhesive, typically on one surface of the itemto be attached. Often these items are stickers, designed for one-timeuse or may be removed and reattached until they lose stickiness.

Items or the like are often designed for one-time application providedwith adhesive or glue thereon and cannot be removed once placed on apaper doll or activity board. The toy is limited to one-time use andcannot be further modified by the user. Toys with stickers or the likewith a glue or an adhesive designed to be reusable are limited in theirability to be reused to the extent they remain sticky and/or dirt-free.As the adhesive or glue likely collects dirt and lint on its adhesivesurface and/or as the adhesive wears off after continual use, reusablestickers are problematic in that their adhesive ability eventual wanesand fails. As such, these toys have a limited life, with items unable toattach to the toy in the first place or to remain attached to the toydue to an inevitable loss of stickiness.

Other toys achieve adhesion by static cling. For instance, toys usingstatic cling vinyl, such as Colorforms® brand which can only adhereflat, light-weight items of the same vinyl material to a flat staticcling surface. Static cling vinyl is a special formulation of polyvinylchloride (PVC) to which a large amount of plasticizer has been added,making it very pliable. Static cling vinyl is considered a “low tack”adhesive as it does not aggressively adhere. When the vinyl is appliedto a clean, smooth, glossy surface, it adheres easily. It can be removedand re-applied nearly indefinitely without leaving behind an adhesiveresidue. Static cling vinyl is not really an adhesive, but it acts asone when the vinyl is charged using an electrostatic process thatprovides an attraction to an oppositely-charged surface such as glass.These static cling vinyl film items must be thin and lightweight inorder to static cling adhere to a flat, clean glossy surfaces, such asglass or specially coated activity boards, and are limited as such toone dimensional or planar applications. Further, they are likely limitedto horizontal applications as otherwise gravitational force willovercome the static cling adhesion. In order to be used in verticalapplication, the static cling vinyl stickers must be extremelylightweight in order for adhesion to withstand a gravitational pull.

Other stick-on display boards and toys achieve adhesion by cohesiveforce between two interposing surfaces both of which are coated withfabric, felt, nap, flannel, or other material such that their surfacesare fibrous, rutted and/or bumpy such that the two surfaces can “grab”one another and attach by cohesive force.

For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,403,000 to Gates includes a display objectand display item, both of which are coated with flock, a crushed fibrousmaterial such as rayon. Gates' flock-coated display object andflock-coated display items are removably secured by cohesive force asthe two flock-coated surfaces are coupled and their fibers intermesh andinterlock. Gates notes that traditional felt or flannel boards aredeficient in that they are limited to one-dimensional, planarapplications, and limited to use in a horizontal position as there isnot sufficient cohesive force between two surfaces in vertical positionto withstand the pull of gravity. Hence, Gates seeks to overcome thesedeficiencies by providing a display object and display item (each havingand attaching to one another other at) non-smooth surfaces coated withflock. (The surface of the display object and the back of the displayitem are coated with flock using a nondrying adhesive). While Gatesemploys an adhesive to attach the flock, it also leaves small areas ofnon-drying adhesive object against which fibers of the display willstick. In these areas, the flock produces a barrier of which only aportion of the ends of the nap contact the adhesive of the opposingdisplay item it, in order to lessen the cohesive force. Hence, Gatesteaches away from direct adhesive contact. Gates requires anintermeshing of fabric particles between two unsmooth surfaces (i.e.contact of the adjacent flock-coated surfaces) as well as contact of napof one unsmooth surface to adhesive of second surface, to achieve bothadhesion and removability. Additionally, Gates requires on both displayobject and display item being covered with flock and limits what can beattached (only flocked-covered display items) to a display objectaccording to its disclosure. Gates is limited to the types of materialthat toy can receive can be employed, that is, only those that areflock-coated and non-smooth. Gates requires both display object and itemto be coated with fibers to provide two non-smooth surfaces to engageone another.

Stick-on toys and other stick-on items as described herein and known inthe art have limitations in their applications, with items having eitherone or two dimensions. Further, these stick-on toys require aninteraction of a relatively large portion of flat surface area betweenitems to be removably adhered.

The demand for more sophisticated toys grows, and there exists a need todevelop better methods of attaching, removing and re-attaching items toa variety of sophisticated toys, and ensuring a repeated ability toadhere and remove sophisticated items. Further, there remains a need toallow toys, specifically adhesive toys, to get dirty while not impairingtheir adhesive function.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a toy comprising at least one cutouthaving an at least partially printed surface completely covered by awashable and at least semi-transparent layer for releasably adheringaccessories related to the printed surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a frontal view of a toy in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the toy shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a toy in accordance with the presentinvention, having a different shape from the toy shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of multiple toys shown in FIG. 3 boundtogether to form a book.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a toy in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention provides a toy that at least a portion of whichreleasably adheres to various items without losing adhesive ability overtime, allowing for repeated adhesion, removal, and reattachment of itemsto the adhesive portion of the toy.

The present invention has an adhesive portion, whether for instance atleast portion of the toy is molded of the adhesive itself or an adhesivelayer is disposed upon a surface of at least a portion of the toy. Theadhesive portion comprises an adhesive with several properties.

Generally, an adhesive is a compound that adheres or bonds two itemstogether. Generally, a “temporary adhesive” is designed to repeatedly oreasily stick and unstuck. A temporary adhesive may be “pressuresensitive.” “Pressure sensitive adhesive” (PSA) is a term known in theart used to designate a distinct category of temporary adhesives whichin dry form (solvent/water free) are aggressively and permanently tackyat room temperature and that firmly adhere to a variety of dissimilarsurfaces upon mere contact without the need of more than finger or handpressure. These products require no activation by water, solvent, orheat in order to exert a strong adhesive holding force toward suchmaterials as paper, plastic, glass, wood, cement, and metal. They havesufficient cohesive holding power and elastic nature so that, despitetheir aggressive tackiness, they can be handled with the fingers andremoved from smooth surfaces without leaving an adhesive residue ordeposit. Typically, adhesive that is pulled away from the surface towhich it is applies may remain or leave a residue on the surface towhich it has been applied once it is removed. “Pressure sensitiveadhesive” is a term of art noting a special class of adhesives thatprovide good adhesion to a surface while at the same time allow for easeof pulling or peeling away from and removing from the surface to whichthey stick, not producing any damage to or leaving a visible layer ofadhesive polymer on such a surface.

Such pressure sensitive adhesives may be employed in the presentinvention. The adhesive employed the present invention is reusable, inthe sense that it may repeatedly adhere items (placed or pressed theretoor thereon by the user), and repeatedly release items (when they arepulled or peeled away by the user) without losing it's adhesiveness fornext use.

Additionally, the adhesive employed in the present invention may bewashable such that washing restores its adhesiveness. Hence, if unwanteditems such as dust, dirt, lint and the like, have attached to theadhesive, and hence, affected its adhesiveness or stickiness, simplywashing the surface of the adhesive, removing the dust, dirt, lint, etcwill return it to its original stickiness. Washing away dirt, dust,lint, and the like does not likewise remove the adhesive or detract fromits adhesive capability. In this sense, the adhesive of this toy has astrong adhesive ability, and at the same time, an unlimited life span, adrastic improvement in the field of stick-on toys.

The adhesive is employed in the present invention to create an adhesiveportion or layer which is “smooth,” in that its adhesive surface issubstantially continuous, uniform, and even-finished, such that it iswithout any additional non-adhesive materials, such as fibers,permanently coated and/or fixed in and/or on the adhesive playing a partalong with the adhesive in providing the desired adhesion or stickinessto the adhesive layer or portion. Hence, adhesive layer or portion isnot rough, rudded, reticulated, uneven or the like at its exposedadhesive surface. It can adhere to virtually any items, whether likewisesmooth items or otherwise bumpy, rough, reticulated or the like.

Adhesive may be any suitable reusable adhesive or glue and further anysuitable washable adhesive or glue. Preferably, the adhesive is a liquidpolymer adhesive which spreads across and evenly covers the desiredportion of the toy to form a polymer adhesive layer. Preferably, theliquid polymer adhesive is a polyurethane or a polyester, and ispreferably similar in composition to U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,714 to Mobleyet al., which is herein incorporated by reference. Preferably liquidpolymer adhesive is heat cured to form the polymer adhesive layer fromthe liquid polymer adhesive, similar to methods of U.S. Pat. No.6,613,382 to Lee, which is herein incorporated by reference.

Preferably, the liquid polymer adhesive is heat cured to the desiredshape or form and/or heat cured onto the desired surface or area of thetoy. Preferably, adhesive layer is at least about 2 mm thick.Alternatively, liquid polymer adhesive may be molded to a desired shapeto form a portion of the toy itself. Once heat cured, finished adhesivelayer or portion maintains a permanent tack on its exterior, exposedsmooth surface. Adhesive layer or portion has a rubbery consistency witha varying degree of rigidity as is desired in the application in whichit is employed. Other adhesives with similar properties from alternatevendors and other similar methods may be used.

Toy according to the present invention, with adhesive incorporatedtherein or therewith by integrating into disposed upon is releasablyadhesive in that its exposed surface non-permanently adheres to itemsthat the user attaches by placing, pressing, or the like, to theadhesive portion and easily releases them. Upon releasing items,adhesive portion does not lose its adhesiveness, does not cause adhesivedeposit or leave adhesive residue on the items.

Adhesive portion of a toy according to the present invention maycomprise at least a portion of the toy that has been entirely formedfrom the adhesive itself into a three-dimensional configuration, such asa body part, i.e. torso, arm, leg, of a doll. Adhesive portion maycomprise a layer disposed over at least portion of the toy, forinstance, a flat surface such as a paper doll or a three dimensionalsurface, such as the surface of the doll's torso. Adhesive portion maybe formed or disposed upon the toy by suitable means such as molding orspraying and curing directly thereon. Adhesive portion may be integrateddirectly into or the structure of the toy or upon its surface.

When attaching items, it requires contact of a small surface areaportion of the adhesive portion to a small surface area of the item oraccessory to be attached thereon to achieve sufficient adhesion forplay. Additionally, the toy of the present invention is advantageous asit allows for upright toys (arranged vertically) such that the pull ofgravity does not interfere with the relatively strong adhesion betweensurface of toy and accessory. Accessories do not fall off the toy whenin upright position.

One embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1, includingcutout 10, shown here with the shape of an outline of a figure, shownhere as a teddy bear. Cutout 10 has an at least partially printedsurface, shown here depicting a figure, specifically a teddy bear.Printed surface may include an image, photograph, depiction, or anyother printed matter.

The term “cutout” as used herein means an item in at least atwo-dimensions whose edge or edges define a particular shape. Cutout maybe made of paper, cardboard, plastic, wood, laminate, vinyl, polyesterfilm or any other suitable material or combination of materials. Cutoutis not limited to any shape and may include a simple shape, such as arectangle. Cut-out may be substantially flat overall and two-dimensionalor may have a raised portions and surfaces that are three-dimensional.

The term “figure” as used herein means any real or imaginary being,person, animal, such as a doll or a teddy bear, or any real or imaginaryobject, such as a house or bus. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,figure may provide the outline of the cutout and/or may provide adepiction, photograph, image or other printed matter which is disposedon the printed surface of the cutout. The depiction, photograph, imageor other printed matter provided on printed surface is not limited tothat of a figure.

As shown in FIG. 2, a partially printed surface 12 is at least partiallycovered by an adhesive 14, which may be layered, coated, or otherwisedeposited or formed upon the printed surface and/or the cut-out.Preferably, the adhesive, in liquid form, is placed upon the printedsurface, preferably made of polyester film, and heat cured directlythereon. Preferably, adhesive layer is at least about 2 mm thick. Theadhesive layer 14 releasably adheres accessories related to the printedsurface 12. Adhesive layer 14 may continuously and completely cover thepartially printed surface, or it may be disposed in non-continuous,discrete patches on the printed surface. Adhesive layer 14 is at leastsemi-transparent or translucent, and preferably transparent, so thatprinted surface 12 beneath is visible. Adhesive layer 14 may be tintedwith color, or otherwise contain decorative additives, such as glitter.

Adhesive layer 14 allows items to be reattached and removed to toy ordoll, over and over again. Adhesive layer 14 attaches and reattachesaccessories without losing its adhesiveness. Additionally, adhesivelayer 14 is washable in that it may be wetted and wiped with damp cloth,and allowed to air dry, if adhesive layer 14 becomes dirty or otherwiseloses adhesiveness. Washing adhesive layer 14 in this manner andallowing it to dry restores its adhesiveness, returning to an initialstickiness. It is an advantage of the present invention to provide areusable toy with a renewable adhesive capability so that the toy may berepeatedly played with, accessories repeatedly attached, removed andre-attached, without a loss of adhesiveness. It is a further advantagethat a loss of adhesiveness due to dirt, lint or other matter attachingto the adhesive can be remedied by washing the adhesive layer 14 of thepresent invention and allowing it to dry.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, cutout 10 has neither a printed surface nor anadhesive layer at its bottom portion 16. Sides 18 of the bottom portion16 may be folded along pre-impressed lines 20 to function as a stand forcutout 30, as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a side view of cutout 10showing the adhesive layer 14 covering printed surface 12 of cutout 30,with shoe 22 in attached position.

The term “accessories” as defined herein means any item for placement onthe cutout. Accessories may relate to each other or to the printedsurface, sharing a common theme with each other and/or with the cutout.Accessories may include, but are not limited to, clothing, shoes, bags,sports equipment, and jewelry. Accessories may relate to a particulartheme, such as “dress-up”, including a hat, glasses, dress, shoes andpurse Accessories additionally relate to the printed surface, forinstance, in the correct placement of the accessories to the printedsurface (with accessories including items of clothing and printedsurface depicting a figure for placement of clothing on related bodyparts), or in theme (accessories relating to the beach, including pail,shovel, beach umbrella, and boat, for placement on the printed surfacedepicting a beach and ocean scene.) Accessories may relate to learning,such as the numerals 1-10 or the letters of the alphabet, for correctordered placement upon the cutout.

Accessories may be made of any material which is suitable to adhere toadhesive layer such as paper, cardboard, fabric, cloth, plastic, wood,metal, or any combination thereof. Accessories may be of any shape, sizeand/or configuration, whether flat, two or three-dimensional, which isappropriate for attachment to the toy of the present invention. It is anadvantage of the present invention that many items may serve asaccessories for attachment to the adhesive component of the presentinvention and are not limited to planar items or construction using acertain material to enable adherence to the toy. It is particularlyadvantageous that the high tack of the adhesive employed in the presentinvention allows for attachment of more sophisticated accessories, whichmay be relatively heavier than traditional items and/or may bethree-dimensional. Accessories from other toys may be used with the toyof the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, accessories may include clothing and jewelry,specifically shoes 22, swimsuit 32, glasses 34, purse 38, and necklace36. Accessories may relate to the printed surface, and may be attachedby user placing them to and gently pressing them onto adhesive layer 14relative to the printed surface 12 of cutout 10, for instance, so as toteach children how to dress and associate items with certain areas ofthe body. For example, shoes 32 are placed on the feet, while glasses 34are placed on the eyes.

A toy according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 3 includingcutout 40, shown here shaped as a rectangle, having an at leastpartially printed surface 42 at least partially covered by a adhesivelayer 44 for releasably adhering accessories 46, 47, 48. Printed surface42 of cutout 40 may be completely covered by adhesive layer 44. Toy mayinclude a single cutout 40 which may serve as an activity board,play-board or a page within a book, and the accessories for reliableattachment thereto by the user who places or presses accessories upon orto adhesive later 44. User may then easily pull or peel away accessories46, 47, 48 to release them from the adhesive layer 4. User may thenreattach and rearrange accessories 46, 47, 48 or attach new accessories.

While toy shown in FIGS. 1-3 is shown as including one cutout 10, inanother aspect of the present invention, toy may include multiplecutouts. As shown in FIG. 4, toy may include a multiplicity of cutouts40, 50, 60, 70 attached together to form a book. Cutout 50 has an atleast partially printed surface 52. Cutout 50 may be partially coveredwith a adhesive layer 54 in that discrete portions of the at leastpartially printed surface 52 are covered by a adhesive layer 54.Releasable adherence or attachment of accessories 56, 57, 58 is achievedat these portions of adhesive layer 44 as the user places or pressesaccessories 46, 47, 48 upon or to adhesive layer 54. In this aspect ofthe present invention, it is preferable that accessories to be adheredto portions of adhesive layer are equal or larger in size than theportion to which they attach so that the adhesive layer is not exposedso that it may adhere to other pages in the book as the pages are turnedand/or when the book is closed.

In another embodiment of a toy according to the present invention, athree-dimensional figure, such as a doll, has at least one adhesiveportion disposed at or formed into at least one part, such as a bodypart. As shown in FIG. 5, doll 100 has a first adhesive portion 114disposed at torso 102, waist 104 and hip 106 body parts of doll 100 anda second adhesive portion 116 disposed at hand 108. Adhesive portions114, 116 may be molded of adhesive and formed as the shape of body partsincorporated into doll 100. Alternatively, adhesive portions 114, 116may have adhesive disposed as a coatings or layers on at least onesurface, the surfaces possibly having a printed or painted display.

Doll 100 has many body parts and likewise many surfaces with differentshapes, slopes, and bumps. There may be printed surfaces upon thefigure. The present invention provides an easy way to attach items andaccessories to a doll and prevent them from unintentionally slipping offduring play, the adhesive portions 114, 166 retaining accessoriesthereon until the user desires to remove them.

As previously discussed with respect to adhesive layer of FIGS. 1-4,adhesive portions 114, 116 of FIGS. 5-6 allow user to place or pressitems to doll for attachment, and then remove them, allowingreattachment and removal over and over again. Adhesive portions 114, 116attach and reattach accessories without losing adhesiveness.Additionally, adhesive portions 14 are washable in that it may be wettedand wiped with damp cloth, and allowed to air dry, if adhesive portions114, 116 become dirty or otherwise loses adhesiveness. Washing adhesiveportions 114, 116 in this manner and allowing them to dry restore theiradhesiveness, returning it substantially to an initial stickiness. It isan advantage of the present invention to provide a reusablethree-dimensional toy, such as a doll with a renewable adhesivecapability so that the toy may be repeatedly played with, accessoriesrepeatedly attached, removed and re-attached, without a loss ofadhesiveness. It is a further advantage that a loss of adhesiveness dueto dirt, lint or other matter attaching to the adhesive portions can beremedied by washing the adhesive portions 114, 116 of the presentinvention and allowing it to dry. An ability to clean a toy, not onlywithout ruining adhesive capability, but in fact, renewing its adhesivecapability, is highly advantageous. As previously discussed, adhesive ispreferably smooth.

Toy as shown in FIGS. 5-6 may include a plurality of accessories. FIG. 6shows doll 100 after user has attached accessories by placing orpressing thereto, specifically, shirt 140, skirt 150, basket 160, andwatch 170. Accessories for reliable attachment thereto by the user whoplaces or presses accessories upon or to adhesive later 44. User maythen easily pull or peel away accessories 140, 150, 160, 170 fromadhesive portions 114, 116 and be able to reattach and rearrangeaccessories 140, 150, 160, 170 or attach new accessories.

All or some of accessories may relate to a common theme. For instance,in FIG. 6, accessories 140, 150, 170 relate to the common theme ofdressing. The toy of the present invention allows children to learn howto dress, as they associate certain items of clothing to respective bodyparts, in a repeated fashion due to the releasable nature of theadhesive portions of the doll, while also improving mechanical skills inthe process. The attachment of accessories to adhesive portions requireschildren to merely place and/or press, which is much simpler thantraditional snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, and the like. Thisnot only allows for a learning tool for younger children, but alsoexpands the realm of accessories and their placement upon a doll forolder children. It allows for more sophisticated, more detailed, smallerand intricate items to successfully attach and remain adhered to dolluntil child decides to remove them.

While the embodiment of the toy of FIGS. 5-6 has been shown as includinga figure of a doll, the present invention is not limited thereto. Anytwo or three dimensional figure, whether a real or imaginary person,animal, or object, or portion thereof, may be employed. For instance,the figure may be a castle, and portions, such as the drawbridge, wall,windows, and moat, may be formed into, and/or have a printed surfacecoated with, adhesive according to the present invention. For instance,accessories, such as a rope, may be attached to a window and down theside of the castle; a person may be attached to the wall trying to climbup; and a boat may attached to the moat.

The above description is for the purpose of teaching the person ofordinary skill in the art how to practice the present invention, and itis not intended to detail all those obvious modifications and variationsof it which will become apparent to the skilled worker upon reading thedescription. It is intended, however, that all such obviousmodifications and variations be included within the scope of the presentinvention, which is defined by the following claims. The claims areintended to cover the claimed components and steps in any sequence whichis effective to meet the objectives there intended, unless the contextspecifically indicates the contrary.

1. A toy comprising at least one cutout having an at least partiallyprinted surface, the printed surface at least partially covered by an atleast semi-transparent smooth adhesive layer for releasably adhering atleast one accessory to be placed thereon, wherein the smooth adhesivelayer is washable such that when washed and allowed to dry, the smoothadhesive layer substantially returns to an initial stickiness.
 2. Thetoy of claim 1, wherein the cutout is a figure and the printed surfacedisplays an image of the figure.
 3. The toy of claim 2, wherein thefigure is a teddy bear.
 4. The toy of claim 1, wherein the printedsurface is completely covered by the smooth adhesive layer.
 5. The toyof claim 1, wherein portions of the printed surface are covered by thesmooth adhesive layer.
 6. The toy of claim 1, comprising a multiplicityof cutouts.
 7. The toy of claim 1, further comprising a multiplicity ofaccessories which may be repeatedly pressed on the smooth adhesive layerto be attached to toy in installed position and repeatedly pulled off ofthe smooth adhesive layer to be removed.
 8. The toy of claim 1, whereinthe accessories relate to the printed surface.
 9. The toy of claim 1,wherein the accessories relate to a common theme.
 10. A toy comprising acutout having an at least partially printed surface, the printed surfacecompletely covered by an at least semi-transparent smooth adhesive layerfor releasably adhering accessories related to the printed surface,wherein the adhesive layer is washable such that when washed and allowedto dry, the adhesive layer substantially returns to an initialstickiness.
 11. The toy of claim 10, wherein the cutout is a figure andthe printed surface depicts an image of the figure.
 12. The toy of claim11, wherein the figure is a teddy bear.
 13. The toy of claim 10, whereinthe accessories relate to a common theme.
 14. An activity boardcomprising a cutout having a surface at least partially printed surfacecovered by an at least semi-transparent smooth adhesive layer forreleasably adhering accessories, wherein the smooth adhesive layer iswashable such that when washed and allowed to dry, the smooth adhesivelayer substantially returns to an initial stickiness.
 15. The activityboard of claim 14, wherein the surface is at least partially printed.16. The activity board of claim 14, wherein the accessories relate tothe printed surface.
 17. The activity board of claim 14, wherein theaccessories relate to a common theme.
 18. A book comprising at least onecutout having an at least partially printed surface, the printed surfaceat least partially covered by an at least semi-transparent smoothadhesive layer for releasably adhering accessories wherein the smoothadhesive layer is washable such that when washed and allowed to dry, thesmooth adhesive layer substantially returns to an initial stickiness.19. The book of claim 18, wherein the accessories relate to a commontheme.
 20. The book of claim 18, wherein the accessories relate to theprinted surface.
 21. A toy comprising a figure having at least oneadhesive portion for releasably adhering at least one accessory, whereinthe adhesive portion is washable such that when washed and allowed todry, the adhesive portion substantially returns to an initialstickiness.
 22. The toy of claim 21, wherein the at least one adhesiveportion of the figure is molded to form at least one part of the figure.23. The toy of claim 22, wherein the figure is a doll and the adhesiveportion is molded to form at least one body part of the doll selectedfrom the group consisting of head, neck, arm, hand, leg, foot, torso,waist, hips, and combinations of these.
 24. The toy of claim 21, whereinthe at least one adhesive portion coats at least one surface of at leastone part of the figure.
 25. The toy of claim 24, wherein the figure is adoll and the adhesive portion coats the body part of the doll selectedfrom the group consisting of head, neck, arm, hand, leg, foot, torso,waist, hips, and combinations of these.
 26. The toy of claim 21, furthercomprising a multiplicity of accessories which may be repeatedly placedon the at least one adhesive portion to be attached to the figure ininstalled position and repeatedly removed from the at least one adhesiveportion.
 27. The toy of claim 26, wherein the accessories relate to acommon theme.